Juniata County puts quintet on TVL first team

November 21, 2013

MIFFLINTOWN - Juniata's girls soccer team led the way in terms of Tri-Valley League all-star selections. The Indians had six girls selected, including three underclassmen. East Juniata was also very successful - the Tigers had five players honored, including two first-team selections.

From Juniata, the three first-team picks were seniors Carly Burns, Megan Shoop and Joelle Winey.

"All three of them have had quite the career," Juniata coach Brian Strawser said. "This season we fell a little shorter than we wanted to. With their work ethic, they were deserving of being first team selections."

Christen Baublitz, Janelle Swartz and Jenna Bretz all made the second team. Baublitz and Swartz were probably the two best Juniata players all season, Strawser said.

Strawser, while still excited for his players, took exception with the honor given to Swartz in particular.

"I'm not quite sure why (Swartz) is on the second team," Strawser said. "I nominated her for league MVP. She's deserving of a lot more."

Baublitz was a scoring threat every time she stepped on the field and played way beyond her years.

"She's a sophomore by grade, but she plays a lot bigger than that," Strawser said. "I don't think you'd realize she's only a sophomore."

McKayla Goodling and Maddie Trego were both awarded first-team honors for their fine seasons at East Juniata.

Goodling finished up her four-year career with a total of 57 goals.

"She was a very valuable piece of our offense," East Juniata coach Lori Goodling said. "She was a leader on the field. She made good decisions and made things happen."

While Goodling was the biggest offensive player, Trego was her counterpart on defense.

"She has been a key part of our defense the last few years," Goodling said. "We moved her to the middle and her height and heading ability helped control the midfield."

Senior Brooke Kitting was honored as a second-team selection for being a strong defender.

Two juniors, Kasi Horning and Amber Knouse, were chosen to the second team.

Horning was kind of the motor for the Tigers.

"She's one of those strong players that never quits," Goodling said. "She makes strong decisions."

Knouse was an exciting player for the Tigers.

"She was up top with McKayla," Goodling said. "She has tremendous speed and a tremendous foot. It's going to be great to have her back next year."

Heartland Conference

Midd-West had three players named to the all-star team in the Heartland Athletic Conference.

Kenedi Moyer, Janelle Arbogast and Brianna Beiler all made the second team.

Moyer and Arbogast both made it for their offense prowess. Moyer led the team with seven goals while Arbogast was second on the squad.

Beiler made the team based on her strong defensive play.

"Brianna started the season as a midfielder," Midd-West coach Russ Goodling said. "We needed someone to take over for a little bit. She did such a good job, we just left her there."

"The first half of the year we gave up 20 goals," Russ Goodling continued. "The second half, we gave up seven. (Brianna) played a big part in helping do that."

ACAA

Alexis Hahn-Kline was the sole member of the Juniata Mennonite team to be honored by the Allegheny Christian Athletic Association.

"She was really stepping up for us in the midfield," Juniata Mennonite coach Trisha Hoffman said.

Hoffman hopes to move her up next season to generate more scoring opportunities.

"She's a very versatile player," Hoffman said. "She can play almost any position."